Belarusian Army Receives First Battalion of Upgraded T-72BM2 Tanks

The Belarusian army has received its first battalion of upgraded T-72BM2 tanks. The tanks were modernised at enterprises operated by the State Authority for Military Industry.

“Today, a ceremony was held to transfer the first battalion of upgraded T-72BM2 tanks to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, with the participation of State Authority for Military Industry Chairman Dzmitry Pantus and Defence Minister Lieutenant General Viktar Khrenin,” the authority’s press service said.

The modernisation was carried out at JSC 140 Repair Plant. According to the authority’s press release, the tanks have been given a new lease of life, and their characteristics now meet modern requirements.

“This battalion is the first, but far from the last. The programme to modernise weapons and military equipment continues. The key factor behind the success of this modernisation is the well-established cooperation between the State Authority for Military Industry and the Ministry of Defence. The military’s clear requirements and the professional work of the plant’s specialists have produced a tangible result — a modern tank in service. This is how the country’s defence capabilities are strengthened,” Dzmitry Pantus said.

According to the Defence Ministry, the handover ceremony took place at the 11th Separate Guards Mechanised Brigade.

“The forms of warfare are evolving, and the methods of employing tank units are changing, but tanks, with their reliable crew protection, high mobility and firepower, remain capable of ensuring success on the battlefield. Understanding this, we are not abandoning tanks but improving them.

These upgraded vehicles incorporate advanced engineering solutions developed by the Belarusian defence industry. Compared with foreign counterparts, the T-72B tank is recognised as one of the best in terms of cost-effectiveness, while its modernisation has improved a number of tactical and technical characteristics, including protection against modern weapons and combat effectiveness,” Viktar Khrenin said.

The first upgraded tanks began being delivered to the armed forces in April this year.

It was previously reported that the upgraded T-72BM2 incorporates the following improvements:

• a multi-channel gunner’s sight has been installed, increasing firing effectiveness;
• firing conditions have been improved through the introduction of a mode allowing the commander to control the weapon systems;
• modern television and thermal imaging systems, domestically developed explosive reactive armour and anti-shaped-charge screens have been installed;
• operational autonomy has been increased through the installation of an auxiliary power unit.